(MAN) Evolution of Manufacturing Lesson
Evolution of Manufacturing
Introduction
Glazing Donuts
Donuts were originally hand made by individuals in their homes, and then later sold through bakery shops. However now, donuts sold in grocery stores are often mass produced. Original donut machines made one donut at a time, but the process became more efficient through improvements in donut making machinery.
In this lesson students will explore the basics of manufacturing and evolution of manufacturing processes.
Explore
Manufacturing Changes
Just like the example of donuts, manufacturing was accomplished first through cottage industries. This was skilled craftsmen and women creating custom products in their homes. Items made could be textiles, pottery, or even custom made swords. Some of these individuals opened shops. When business was good the craftsmen entrepreneurs needed help for more production. So the practice of apprenticeship was developed to train young people the specific craft or skill. When demand increased factories were developed for more efficient manufacturing of standard, non-custom made, products. All of these changes benefited society through availability of needed products and needed economic opportunities.
Mass production is high volume manufacture of the same item at a lower cost than individual custom manufacturing. Your phone is mass produced as well as most of the products you see today. The mass production concept was made possible by the development of interchangeable parts. Interchangeable parts use precision tolling to fabricate identically tooled parts that can be substituted across products. These common parts streamlined and reduced cost for manufacturing. Not building custom individual components sped up the manufacturing process and improved quality.
James Watt made significant improvements to the steam engine. This technology was the machinery needed to increase productivity and expand manufacturing. The steam engine allowed factories to exist in most locations where water or wind power was limited. Another significant use of the improved steam engine technology was to mine and transport coal for use in manufacturing. Steam engines were improved through the techniques of machine tooling and interchangeable parts. These enhancements resulted in more reliable and powerful equipment.
The development of significant technologies and political influence led to changes in America. The adaptation and use of the steam engine, interchangeable parts, mass production, and then the moving assembly line were some of the manufacturing technologies which enabled the Industrial Revolution in manufacturing. Complete this activity to learn the significant social impacts of this era.
Challenge
Take Away
Career Connection: Product Design and Development
Watch the following video to learn the job of a Product Designer and Developer.
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